About that scar...

Natani closed the book at the sound of footsteps. She had gone to the edge of town in the hopes of having some privacy, but it was obviously not meant to be. She turned to her left to see who approached, a newly developed instinct to keep her scar hidden taking momentary control.

Tal stepped closer to her at the slight nod she gave him as an indication she wanted his company. She moved on the log, giving him room to sit.

“You’ve been quiet since your injury,” he said quietly.

“I spent most of that time healing, or waiting for you to wake up,” she said defensively, then winced at the harsh tone of her voice.

“We haven’t talked much since the dragon, really.” Tal ignored her tone.

“You didn’t seem very happy to see that I had survived. You were also intent on making it clear you thought the way I was searching for the crown was dumb.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Not in so many words.” They both stopped for a moment, for the first time seeing the argument beginning and realizing that wasn’t what they needed.

“How are you?” Tal asked finally, turning his head slightly to look at her. Natani lowered her gaze to the ground and tilted her head, hiding the scar more.

“I have survived. That is what matters,” she answered quietly.

“Not if your spirit has been killed.” He rested his hand on hers. “Everyone’s noticed how you try to hide the scar.”

“It will not affect how well I fight.”

“That is not what’s important. You’re letting this affect who you are. You received the wound honorably. You should not be ashamed of it.” He tried to turn her face toward him, but she resisted him.

“This is different than the others.”

“How?”

“I don’t know. It just feels different.” Natani finally looked at him.

Tal smiled at her, then gently touched her scarred cheek. “You’re still beautiful to me. You accepted me with the change in how I look. Why would you think I couldn’t accept you?”

Natani stared at the man she dreamed of sharing her life with. “You accept it because you love me, just like I accept you because I love you. No matter how much we fight and disagree, deep down we love each other.”

“Yes, we do. You are still allowing this to bother you too much.”

“Maybe.” She lowered her gaze again.

Tal watched her for a moment, then caressed her back before standing. Without another word, he left her to her thoughts.